RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus coinfection
JF BMJ Case Reports
JO BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e258219
DO 10.1136/bcr-2023-258219
VO 17
IS 5
A1 Nasir, Ali Zagham
A1 Khan, Nasir
YR 2024
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/17/5/e258219.abstract
AB Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening disorder caused by uncontrolled activation of the immune system, leading to phagocytosis of blood cells and cytokine storm. HLH can manifest in childhood due to a genetic mutation, but in adults HLH arises secondary to viral infections, autoimmune diseases or neoplastic processes. The most common viral infections associated with HLH are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). EBV and CMV coinfection associated with HLH, however, is exceedingly rare. We present a case of HLH secondary to EBV and CMV coinfection in a young adult who presented with recurrent intermittent high-grade fevers and epistaxis. This case illustrates the importance of considering HLH in patients with idiopathic fevers and to consider all the potential aetiologies for HLH to ensure proper treatment.